The Draglen Brothers - DRAKEN (BK 1) by Solease Barner Page B

as if she can
stop my father’s interrogations. Never.
    “Princess, what guys?” he asks
again.
    “I’m glad you are dating again,” Mom
says gleefully. “That Travis boy broke your heart, and I always
thought you were too good for him anyway. I think you should date
Marlon. He comes from a fabulous family, and he’s very handsome,
your kids will be adorable.” She is so into making sure I get
married to a “well-to do” guy, and making sure he looks good, so
her grandchildren will look fabulous. I love her, but sometimes she
can be shallow. Wait, she only wants the best for me. I shouldn’t
be mean, she’s not doing twenty questions with me. My mom, when I
turned 16 yrs old, took me to the doctor and placed me on the pill,
saying “Don’t tell your dad, but I don’t want you making any
mistakes by getting pregnant.” I have been off the pill since I
broke up with Travis. I’m not having sex for a while, although
Draken. Why is he always in my thoughts?
    “I said, what guys?” He
frowns.
    “We have new neighbors in the Haltons’
old house. Donna Marie invited them to her party to be nice. I just
danced with them, Daddy, to be nice. I’m focused on my schooling.
You have nothing to worry about,” I say, trying to stop the
questions. It must work, because my father’s face softens as he
comes around the counter, placing a hand on my shoulder.
    “I just don’t want people taking
advantage of you. Princess, you were born into a wealthy family,
and many times guys will get close to you to get to me. I have to
protect you. You understand, right?”
    “Yes, Dad, of course,” I say,
finishing my breakfast as fast as possible. I need to ease my
father’s mind. “You don’t need to worry about these guys. I was
told they are the owners of Out of World Enterprises.”
    “What! Those guys are in town? The
Draglen brothers are very successful men, honey. See, I told you
our daughter is smart. Good pick,” Mom says, nodding at
me.
    “I’m not dating any one of them. I
just want to finish school and start my career,” I say, pushing
away from the counter. It’s time to go, and I really owe D for this
talk. Thanks, twin brother. This is going to be a long week, with
my brother on at me about these guys. My father must have thought
they were okay, because after our conversation he goes right to his
laptop and starts working. I don’t care who this guy is, I want
nothing to do with Draken, I think. My dreams say
different.
     
    ***
     
    Friday comes quickly. I’m so happy
it’s the weekend and I’m caught up on school work. I’m staying in
and enjoying the pool. I just want to relax. I go to the family
room and turn the television on. I never watch T.V., but there’s a
show on about dancing that caught my interest. I watch it, and end
up falling asleep until I hear Gloria.
    “Ms. Cess, you have a visitor at the
door. He says his name is Show, umm Show . . . ”
    “Showken?” I ask.
    “Yes, that’s it. Shall I escort him
in?” Gloria asks.
    “Yes, that’s fine,” I say, rubbing my
hands over my hair. Why is he here? I’m not going over to his
place. I glance at the clock and its 8:30 p.m., no way.
    “Ms. Cess, Showken,” Gloria announces.
I turn, and he is smiling at me.
    “Hello Cess, I’m here to collect you
for the party,” Showken says, looking around the room.
    “I’m not going to your home. Look,
you’re a nice guy, you and your brothers, but Draken does not want
me at the house, and I never go where I’m not wanted,” I say,
motioning for him to take a seat. I notice that he walks and sits
very gracefully.
    “My brother wants… never mind that, he
is not home, Cess, and believe me, the last thing he will do is
walk you off the property if you’re there when he arrives,” Showken
says, looking at me curiously.
    “I don’t think that is happening, I
mean who all is coming to the party?” I ask, not planning to go,
but I just would like to know the list of invites.
    “Oh